Diann Mills, Leather and Lace

Leather and Lace

Diann Mills

Barbour, Feb 2006, $12.95

ISBN: 1597891274

In 1884, Casey O'Hare is tired of her life as an outlaw and decides to leave the gang. However, though she tries to start over in a remote mountain of Utah, her past will not leave her alone to start over. First someone is blaming her for a crime wave with wanted posters containing a reward all over the west. Additionally her former gang leader Davis Jenkins, accompanied by her brother Tim, also a member, chase after her as no one rides out on them and lives to tell it, especially his woman.

However, instead of Jenkins abducting her, Morgan Andrews captures Casey in an isolated campsite. He insists he will keep her safe, but she believes he, like all men, is using her. She is not sure why at first, but soon realizes she is an expendable pawn for Morgan to get to Davis Jenkins. Though attracted to her warden, Casey plans to escape from him, just as she has from the law and from the Jenkins brood. Morgan is reconsidering his values as he has fallen in love with his guest (prisoner if you ask Casey), and would die before allowing her to be harmed, yet he needs her as the bait to capture Jenkins.

The first Texas Legacy western romance is a terrific tale starring a delightful lead couple, a nasty villain, and a sibling pulled in two directions by his love for his sister and his loyalty (and fear) of his leader. The storyline is action-packed, as readers expect a High Noon showdown and get this and much more. Sub-genre fans will want to read this strong late nineteenth century romance.